Politicians Duck the Question on Open Net Finfish Aquaculture Moratorium
November 12, 2012
In October, Atlantic Coalition for Aquaculture Reform Nova Scotia (ACAR-NS) asked NS provincial and federal elected representatives to declare their position on open net finfish aquaculture. (FPMB is one of the 100+ community groups that form this coalition.)
Background - Information Sent to Nova Scotia MPs and MLAs
- March 2012 - ACAR-NS sent a comprehensive information package to all 52 Nova Scotia Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and all 10 Nova Scotia Members of Parliament (MPs). The package detailed the scientific, economic, environmental and community development bases calling for a moratorium on open net pen finfish farming in Nova Scotia. Read the Information Package (PDF)
- As followup, the Ecology Action Centre sent a copy of the documentary “Salmon Wars”, which outlines many of the concerns and problems surrounding this industry, to all NS MLAs and MPs.
- June 4, 2012 a coalition of over 116 organizations called for a moratorium on open net finfish aquaculture.
- October, 2012 community members of the Atlantic Coalition for Aquaculture Reform, Nova Scotia (ACAR-NS) sent letters to all NS MLAs, and NS MPs, to canvass their position on OPEN NET PEN FINFISH FARMING in the Province.
This is a critical matter regarding both policy and economics for our coastal communities (affecting our immediate as well as long term futures). We wanted to know precisely the position of elected representatives on this issue.
Moratorium Question Posed to all NS MLAs and MPs
Each elected representative was sent a letter (reply requested in 30 days), with the following question:
Do you FAVOR PLACING ON HOLD immediately the issuance of all NEW and PENDING OPEN-NET FINFISH LEASES/LICENSES, including AMENDMENTS and EXPANSIONS TO EXISTING SITE LEASES/LICENSES, any STOCKING OF DORMANT SITES, and any RESTOCKING AND LICENSING RENEWAL Of EXISTING SITES of POOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE, unless or until an independent review can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that no harm will come to our environment, our quality of life, and our extant industries from open net pen finfish farming?
YES _______ NO ______
The Results: 21% Responded
Of the 62 letters sent, a meagre 13 responses were received.
Party caucus position statements were received from 4 representatives:
- Robert Chisholm, MP NDP
- Jamie Baillie, MLA PC - letter with statements from 2 press releases
- Michel Samson, MLA Liberal
- Sterling Belliveau, MLA provided a statement from the Provincial government
Responses received referring solely to caucus positions (4 responses):
- Eddie Orrell, MLA and Chuck Porter, MLA each sent a copy of a letter produced by Jaimie Baillie, referring to the PC position noted in press releases.
- Gary Burrill, MLA stated that Sterling Belliveau would be responding on behalf of the NDP party's caucus.
- Peter Stoffer, MP stated that Robert Chisholm would be replying as the NDP Fisheries critic.
Although we appreciate having received party caucus positions, we did not ask where your party stands. We did not ask where your colleague, who has some party responsibility for this issue, stands. We asked: Where do YOU stand? Are you, or are you not in favour of a moratorium?
Constituents deserve that their elected officials educate themselves on critical local issues, formulate a position, state their position and can be counted on to speak for their electorate in the Legislature or Parliament. Ducking the question by hiding behind the party’s caucus statement is not good enough.
Other Responses:
- Gordie Gosse, MLA replied that as Speaker of the House he must remain neutral. He cannot express a position on an issue.
- Rodger Cuzner, MP replied that he is aware of concerns with several issues in this industry; is not aware of the current regulatory regime and when it was last reviewed, and asked us to provide this. We replied, but heard nothing further from him.
- Geoff Regan, MLA states he is in support of the Liberal Party’s call for a moratorium on new licenses until the review of aquaculture in Nova Scotia is completed. And notes:
Any decisions about developing aquaculture must be based on sound scientific evidence. While aquaculture can provide an economic opportunity, particularly for rural Nova Scotia, we must ensure it is done in a safe and sustainable manner that does not negatively affect our traditional fisheries.
- Andrew Younger, MLA states he is in support of the Liberal Party’s caucus position and notes:
Our caucus has also encouraged the government to look at what species and types of farms may be better suited to land-based systems rather than open water pens. It’s clear that every type of aquaculture (species, size of farm, location, etc.) is not the same. Many Nova Scotians are not against aquaculture but want stronger regulations to safeguard our environment and resources. They want to know they will be consulted and be involved in the process.
The health of our environment is a principal concern for our entire caucus; therefore, our Caucus is calling for a moratorium on the approval of new aquaculture sites until after government review is complete.
Responses that Directly Answered the Question
Only ONE!
Kudos to Scott Brison, the ONE elected official who answered the question directly.
YES, he does FAVOR PLACING ON HOLD immediately the issuance of all new and pending open-net finfish leases/licenses.
No Response from 49 MPs and MLAs
If you do NOT see an MLA or MP listed here, it is because we received NO RESPONSE.
Are they representing Nova Scotians? Do they deserve to represent the citizens of Nova Scotia if they will not take the time to advise their constituents of their position on critical issues?